Methodists reach another milestone - 140 years

PAPAROA Methodists have celebrated another milestone for those in the district.
It is 140 years since the first Methodist chapel was built in Hook Rd, Paparoa, and while other congregations may be diminishing, the Paparoa Community Church is still strong, parish council member Ella Hames says.
Built just five years after the arrival of the Albertland settlers in 1862, the little church was made from local pitsawn timber and split shingles.
Ten years later, the community constructed the present building, across the road from the little chapel that had become too small for the congregation.
The new church cost 300 when it was opened in November 1878 and, while there have been many changes in the years since then, the old values survive.
"The key thing which holds faith strong is having a minister living and preaching in the area," said Mrs Hames.
A parsonage built behind the church in 1884 makes the pastor readily available. One change is that today's ministers no longer have to travel by canoe or horseback to perform their duties.
In 1908, the Jubilee Hall was added and the two buildings were joined in time for the 1967 centennial celebrations.
Extensive alterations, including new toilets, a creche and revamped kitchen were carried out in 2005 and a toy library for the community was established.
The pioneer cemetery and horse paddock remain today but the dirt track, which later became the main road in the area, is now a metalled back-road.
Parishioners are proud of their kauri church and kauri pews. They point out every nail was handmade by the village blacksmith. Historic boot scrapers are treasured and two sets of dinnerware are on display. A blue set was made for the Wesleyans in the 1890s and a white set, fired and printed in Britain in 1902, was used for the 140th celebration dinner on November 3.
Reverend Meshach Adomea is the current minister. He and his wife, Miriam, son Levi and grandson Moshe took up the position in July last year. Originally from the Solomon Islands, the couple have been in the ministry for the past 18 years, four in Auckland and one in Waipu.
Pastor Meshach travels to homes in the district, whether they are parishioners or not.
"The water doesn't just flow to believers," he said, quoting John 7:37-38.
The couple hopes to encourage the younger generation to discover Christian principles and have set up youth activities, such as Sunday school and Mainly Music programmes to that end.
They also plan a community programme to suit 15-20 year-olds, and a regular system of meals for the elderly.
Today, the church operates as a co-operating parish. A group of around six people share Sunday school teaching and, with around 10 lay preachers, there is no shortage of people who can relieve when needed.
Population and employment changes in the area will affect congregation numbers, but members remain hopeful that new and young families will ensure the success of the 150th celebration in a decade's time.